How to Apply for a “Re-Entry Permit” in Thailand: A Guide for Exiting and Re-Entering with a Long-Te

Notes:

1. Fees may vary depending on immigration office policies or airport service regulations. It is recommended to confirm the latest fee before applying.

2. If you do not have your own photo, an additional service fee of around 200 THB may be charged for photo and related services.

IV. Application Locations and Timing

Application locations
You may apply for a Re-Entry Permit at the following locations:

1. The Thailand Immigration Office
   Apply at the immigration office in the province where you reside.

2. International airports / departure checkpoints
   Dedicated Re-Entry Permit counters are located in the departure area of many international airports; you can obtain the permit there before departure (typically prior to passport control). Some airport counters operate around the clock (for example, Suvarnabhumi Airport). Chiang Mai Airport also provides a Re-Entry Permit service.

Application procedures

Obtaining a Re-Entry Permit at the immigration office (recommended method)
The steps are as follows:

1. Prepare the required documents:
   • Original passport and photocopy;
   • Photocopies of the visa page and the most recent entry stamp page;
   • One recent 4 × 6 cm photograph;
   • Proof of enrollment (for student visa holders);
   • Completed TM.8 application form;
   • Cash fee: Single re-entry THB 1,000 / Multiple re-entry THB 3,800.

2. Visit the local Immigration Office:
   • In Bangkok, you may go to the Chaeng Wattana (Government Complex) Immigration Office;
   • Other cities such as Chiang Mai and Phuket also have immigration offices.

3. Obtain a queue number, wait to be called, and submit documents:
   • Hand the documents to the immigration officer;
   • The officer will verify the information and collect the fee.

4. Pay the fee, wait for the stamp, and collect your passport:
   • The passport is usually returned the same day;
   • A “Re-Entry Permit” stamp will be affixed to the passport.

Obtaining a Re-Entry Permit at the airport (emergency procedure)

1. Arrive at the airport well in advance (at least three hours recommended).

2. Before or after check-in, locate the “Re-Entry Permit” counter:
   • At Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport the counter is in the departure hall immigration area (near Zone 2);
   • Don Mueang Airport and Chiang Mai Airport also maintain dedicated counters.

3. Collect and complete the TM.8 form (provided at the counter).

4. Prepare the following documents: original passport; passport photocopy (some counters may provide photocopy services); one 4 × 6 cm photograph; fee: Single re-entry THB 1,000 (cash).

5. Submit documents and pay, then wait for the stamp; the officer will verify the information and stamp the passport with the Re-Entry Permit.

6. Confirm that the stamp is correct before proceeding with departure formalities.

Timing considerations
• It is advisable to obtain the permit one to two business days before departure to avoid potential counter closures or heavy queues disrupting travel plans.
• If applying at the airport, allow sufficient extra time (arrive early) to complete the procedure.

V. Required Documents

The following are the Immigration Office’s general requirements as of 2025:

1. Passport
   • Original and photocopy (visa page, most recent entry stamp page, and TM.6 or electronic entry record).

2. TM.6 or electronic entry record
   • If the paper TM.6 has been discontinued, an electronic entry record can be printed from the immigration system.

3. Photocopy of the visa page or the visa extension page
   • In particular, include the page evidencing any Extension of Stay.

4. Re-Entry Permit application form (TM.8)
   • The form may be obtained and completed at the immigration office or downloaded and printed in advance.
   • Affix one 2-inch white-background photograph to the form.

5. 2-inch photograph (white background)
   • One photo taken within the last six months.

6. Application fee (cash).

Notes:

1. Fees may vary depending on immigration office policies or airport service regulations. It is recommended to confirm the latest fee before applying.

2. If you do not have your own photo, an additional service fee of around 200 THB may be charged for photo and related services.

VI. Notes & Tips
• A Re-Entry Permit does not reset or extend the duration of stay on your visa; upon re-entry, the allowed stay remains based on your original visa.
• Generally, you do not need to present the Re-Entry Permit when leaving Thailand; it is checked upon re-entry.
• If you leave without obtaining a Re-Entry Permit, your visa may be considered void, and you will need to reapply for a visa abroad to return.
• Different airports and immigration offices may have varying operating hours, service counters, and procedural details; it is advisable to confirm in advance whether your departure airport or local immigration office supports Re-Entry Permit issuance.
• If your visa is a Multiple Entry Visa, a Re-Entry Permit is generally not required.
• For certain special visa categories (e.g., Digital Nomad Visa DTV or some student visas), special regulations may apply; whether a Re-Entry Permit is required should follow the latest immigration policies.

💡 TMA Summary:
The last step before leaving the country is not packing your luggage, but checking whether you have a Re-Entry Permit.
A small stamp determines the continuation of your entire visa validity—
Don’t let it become the “critical line” that prevents your return.

If you want to know whether your visa type requires a Re-Entry Permit,
or if you want TMA to handle your visa and work permit applications,
📩 feel free to leave a message or DM us, and we will provide you with one-stop support.